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A.E. McKenzie Family photo

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions13952
Part Of
Fred McGuinness collection
Description Level
Item
GMD
graphic
Date Range
[1980s]
Accession Number
1-2015
Part Of
Fred McGuinness collection
Description Level
Item
Series Number
McG 9
Item Number
1-2015.24
Accession Number
1-2015
GMD
graphic
Date Range
[1980s]
Physical Description
4.25" x 3.5" (colour)
Scope and Content
Photograph shows a group of nine people surrounding an elderly man, likely A.E. McKenzie, who is wearing a black suit. The group appears to be photographed in residential yard.
Name Access
A.E. McKenzie
Subject Access
family portraits
Storage Location
RG 5 photograph storage drawer 2 (hanging photos)
Images
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Part Of
RG 3 A.E. McKenzie Company fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1910-1964; 1966 (legal), 1976 (patents)
Part Of
RG 3 A.E. McKenzie Company fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
Series Number
McS 2 2.1
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1910-1964; 1966 (legal), 1976 (patents)
Physical Description
26.3 cm
History / Biographical
Albert Edward McKenzie was born in Wilcox Lake, York County, Ontario in 1870 to Francis Bethel McKenzie and Maria (Carley) McKenzie. In 1882 he moved to Brandon, Manitoba with his family, where his father established a Flour, Seed and Grain business. At the age of twenty-six, following his father’s death, A. E. took over the family business and transformed it into a seed institute. As the President of The Brandon Seed House, and, later, A. E. McKenzie Seed Co. Ltd., Mr. McKenzie played a central role in the daily operations of his company up until three weeks prior to his death on September 25, 1964. In 1901, Mr. McKenzie married Laura Bell of Carmen, Manitoba, with whom he had two daughters, Marjorie and Kathleen. Kathleen married Walter C. Roberts and became a member of the Board of Directors of her father's company. Marjorie graduated from Brandon College, and received additional degrees from the Columbia College of Expression, and from Northwestern University. From 1927-1930 she taught at Brandon College, then resigned to do post-graduate work. She returned to Brandon College in 1935 as Instructor of Public Speaking and Dean of Women in Clark Hall. Marjorie resigned as Dean of Women after one year, and eventually relocated to British Columbia. Both Kathleen and Marjorie survived their father. Laura had passed away in 1943. At the time of his death. A.E. McKenzie was also survived by had one grandson: David McKenzie Roberts. In addition to building his company into one of Canada's foremost seed institutes, McKenzie was also involved with many community projects. He was affiliated with the YMCA, YWCA, Salvation Army, and Community Chest. He was a charter member of the Kiwanis Club, and a long-term officer of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce. However, McKenzie's major interest was Brandon College, for which he served as a governor and as chairman of the board of governors for the College. A central figure in the fight to save Brandon College, McKenzie was instrumental in the formation of Brandon College Inc., and, in 1945, he established the A. E. McKenzie Foundation, for which the Government of Manitoba was the sole trustee. His gift to the Foundation was securities valued at $1 million, which ensured the survival and re-establishment of Brandon College and later Brandon University. In 1941, McKenzie received the degree of Doctor of Laws honoris causa from the University of Manitoba. In 1962, he was honored with a certificate of merit for exemplary citizenship in commerce and in every aspect of community life from the City of Brandon.
Custodial History
See fonds level description of custodial history of A. E. McKenzie Seed Co. Ltd.
Scope and Content
This sub-series consists of correspondence created and received by A.E. McKenzie during his years as President/General Manager dealing with the operation of his company. This includes construction estimates, and correspondence with the company's lawyer, Wm. Johnson. A letter from Gairdner & Company Limited regarding McKenzie's attempt to reacquire ownership of A. E. McKenzie Ltd. from the Province of Manitoba. The sub-series also contains material relating to legal matters: one file concerns a successful legal action against the A.E. McKenzie Seed Company by the Canadian Alfalfa Association. The action arose following the sale of seed to a seed company located in Berlin, Germany in 1938. A second file deals with the prosecution of the company in Bismarck, North Dakota for mail fraud. The company lost both cases. Patents secured by the company are also included within the sub-series. Also contained within the legal sub-series are records dealing with A.E. McKenzie's passing. These include correspondence with the National Trust Company and Miss Jean MacKay, and a summary of A.E. McKenzie's will. There are also some documents dealing with McKenzie's stocks and shares in the Company. Documentation relating to the 1918 By-Law Campaign, in which McKenzie tried to secure tax relief for his company in relation to the construction of its new plant, is also included within the sub-series. The sub-series is divided into six sub sub series, including: (1) Secretary; (2) Legal Matters; (3) Correspondence; (4) Patents; (5) By-Law Campaign 1918; and (6) Miscellaneous.
Notes
* "Tapes" in the Related Material field refers to hard copy written summaries originally provided on tape for typing. Organization by tape number was found to be more efficient than listing these items by title.
Language Note
Within McS 2 1.3, the correspondence sub sub series, there are some documents written in Gregg shorthand. No translation is available.
Storage Location
RG 3 A.E. McKenzie Company fonds McS 2 Office of the President/General Manager
Related Material
Regarding sub sub series McS 2 2.2 (Legal Matters): The court pocket for the alfalfa case involving McKenzie Seeds at the Court of Queen's Bench in Regina, Saskatchewan may be available through the Saskatchewan Archives Board. John Diefenbaker acted for the Alfalfa Association in this case. Historical Topics under A.E. McKenzie Seed Co. Ltd. fonds, Series 2 (Office of the President/GM), sub-series 2 (J. Lasby Lowes) contains some information regarding McKenzie's patents (file 16, Tapes 29 and 30), and a legal case in Bismarck, North Dakota in 1957 regarding the violation of mail fraud statutes involving the sale of seed wheat (file 11, Tape 26)*. Information regarding the sale of Alfalfa seed to a German seed company is available in file 2. There are also a number of files containing information about A. E. McKenzie.
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A.E. McKenzie Seeds

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions12405
Part Of
RG 12 Brandon and Area Photograph Collection
Description Level
Item
GMD
graphic
Date Range
[between 1911 and 1913]
Accession Number
3-2012
Part Of
RG 12 Brandon and Area Photograph Collection
Description Level
Item
Series Number
2
Item Number
BAPC 2.35
Accession Number
3-2012
GMD
graphic
Date Range
[between 1911 and 1913]
Physical Description
3.5" x 5.5" (b/w)
Material Details
Postcard
Physical Condition
Some water damage and staining.
Custodial History
Postcard was donated to the McKee Archives by Allen Drysdale, archivist at Beautiful Plains Archives in October 2011. Drysdale received the postcard as part of a larger donation to his archives.
Scope and Content
Item is a colour postcard of the A.E. McKenzie Seed Company in Brandon, MB. The postcard was sent to John Dorset, Elphinstone, MB from his brother Sid (?).
Name Access
A.E. McKenzie Co., Limited
A.E. McKenzie Seed Company
9th Street
Subject Access
commercial buildings
businesses
downtown
Storage Location
BAPC photograph drawer
Images
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A.E. McKenzie Building

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions9550
Part Of
RG 11 Lawrence Stuckey fonds
Description Level
Item
GMD
graphic
Date Range
March 16, 1975
Accession Number
1-2002
Part Of
RG 11 Lawrence Stuckey fonds
Creator
L.A. Stuckey
Description Level
Item
Series Number
3.1
Item Number
1-2002.3.1EA14
Accession Number
1-2002
GMD
graphic
Date Range
March 16, 1975
Physical Description
2 1/2" x 2 1/2"
Material Details
Negative
History / Biographical
The original main building (background) was built in 1910, with a tower extension added in 1919.
Custodial History
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
A.E. McKenzie Building
Name Access
A.E. McKenzie Building
Crystal Hotel
Subject Access
businesses
agricultural companies
hotels
Brandon business buildings & facilities after 1940
Repro Restriction
The McKee Archives is the copyright holder for the Stuckey materials.
Location Copy
1-2002.3.9.41
Storage Location
Lawrence Stuckey collection
Images
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A.E. McKenzie fonds

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions4337
Part Of
RG 3 A.E. McKenzie Company fonds
Description Level
Series
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1887-1989; prredominantly 1887-1968
Part Of
RG 3 A.E. McKenzie Company fonds
Description Level
Series
Series Number
MG 5
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1887-1989; prredominantly 1887-1968
Physical Description
31 cm
History / Biographical
See biographical sketch of A.E. McKenzie under RG 3 Series 2 (Office of the President/General Manager), sub-series 1 (A.E. McKenzie).
Custodial History
See fonds level description of custodial history of A.E. McKenzie Seed Co. Ltd.
Scope and Content
The manuscript group contains records pertaining to A.E. McKenzie's personal life, such as personal correspondence and family documents. Records dealing with McKenzie's involvement with Brandon College, the Brandon Allied Arts Council and the Brandon Board of Trade are also included. It has been divided into five sub-series, including: (1) Brandon College Inc.; (2) A.E. McKenzie Foundation; (3) Brandon Allied Arts Council; (4) Brandon Board of Trade; and (5) Miscellaneous.
Storage Location
RG 3 A.E. McKenzie Seed Co. Ltd. fonds MG 5 A.E. McKenzie fonds
Related Material
RG 1 Brandon College fonds in the McKee Archives contains additional information on A.E. McKenzie, particularly his involvement with Brandon College. A photograph of A.E. McKenzie is located in oversized drawer #5 of the Brandon College photograph series.
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A.E. McKenzie Foundation

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions4340
Part Of
RG 3 A.E. McKenzie Company fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1940, 1945-1989
Part Of
RG 3 A.E. McKenzie Company fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
Series Number
MG 5 1.2
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1940, 1945-1989
Physical Description
6 cm
History / Biographical
In 1945 the A. E. McKenzie Trust of 1939, which led to the formation of Brandon College Incorporated, was cancelled. As a result A.E., who was still trying to solve the College's financial problems, set about attaining a special act of legislature that would enable him to transfer 90% of his company's stockholdings to the control of the Province of Manitoba to benefit the College. See fonds level administrative history description.
Custodial History
See fonds level description of custodial history of A.E. McKenzie Seed Co. Ltd.
Scope and Content
This sub-series includes correspondence regarding the McKenzie Foundation between Brandon College Inc., McKenzie Seeds, William Johnson and the Government of Manitoba. It also contains records dealing with Educational Advisory Board. A substantial amount of this correspondence is in regards to the payment of Brandon College Inc. from the McKenzie Foundation. In addition, there is also correspondence generated by the Comptroller-General and Wm. Johnson regarding Foundation Account, as well as some other financial information. Various documents are also present within the sub-series, including Bill 87, amendments, an authorization provision for variation in agreement and an agreement between McKenzie, Brandon College Inc. and the National Trust. A collection of prepared statements or briefs, many written by A.E. McKenzie regarding the purpose and future of the Foundation are also included.
Storage Location
RG 3 A.E. McKenzie Seed Co. Ltd. fonds MG 5 A.E. McKenzie fonds
Related Material
Information regarding the A.E. McKenzie Foundation can be found in Series 2 (Office of the President/GM), sub-series 2 (J. Lasby Lowes), Historical Topics file 1 (Tape 9). Series 5 (Photographs), oversized drawer #4 contains newspaper clippings dealing with the establishment of the McKenzie Foundation.
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A.E. McKenzie Building

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions860
Part Of
Brandon University Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
GMD
graphic
Date Range
c. mid 1980s
Part Of
Brandon University Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Series Number
2.4
Item Number
BUPC 2.4.2
GMD
graphic
Date Range
c. mid 1980s
Physical Description
3.5" x 5" (colour)
Scope and Content
Photograph is looking southwest from the back steps of the Education Building and shows the northeast corner of the A.E. McKenzie Building, which housed the Library and Faculty of Arts.
Images
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A.E. McKenzie fonds - miscellaneous

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions4343
Part Of
RG 3 A.E. McKenzie Company fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1887-1960
Part Of
RG 3 A.E. McKenzie Company fonds
Description Level
Sub-series
Series Number
MG 5 1.5
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1887-1960
Physical Description
3.5 cm
History / Biographical
This sub-series is artificially created and contains records that did not fit into any of the preceding series or sub-series.
Custodial History
See fonds level description of custodial history of A.E. McKenzie Seed Co. Ltd.
Scope and Content
The records in this sub-series concern A.E. McKenzie's personal life. It contains a number of documents created by his father, F. B. McKenzie, including land deeds, financial records, and a grant of probate. The sub-series also includes documents concerning the Ontario Mutual Life Assurance Co., the dissolution of partnership between A.E. McKenzie and George. E. McKenzie, the release of F.B. McKenzie's estate to his son and a copy of A.E. McKenzie's mother's last will and testament. Also included within the sub-series is a file or correspondence between McKenzie and R.B. Dessert, a former employee of McKenzie Seeds who established his own seed company in California after leaving Brandon. The correspondence is almost entirely personal in nature. Thank you letters regarding Brandon College and scholarships, as well as minutes from meetings of the Education Advisory Board can also be found within the sub-series.
Storage Location
RG 3 A.E. McKenzie Seed Co. Ltd. fonds MG 5 A.E. McKenzie fonds
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A.E. McKenzie Building construction

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions627
Part Of
Brandon University Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
GMD
graphic
Date Range
[1959-1960]
Part Of
Brandon University Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Series Number
2.4
Item Number
BUPC 2.4.6
GMD
graphic
Date Range
[1959-1960]
Physical Description
5" x 7" (b/w)
Scope and Content
Photograph is looking northeast (?) and shows the construction of the A.E. McKenzie Building (Library and Arts Building) during the winter.
Subject Access
campus buildings
Images
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A.E. McKenzie Building construction

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions628
Part Of
Brandon University Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
GMD
graphic
Date Range
[1959-1960]
Part Of
Brandon University Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Series Number
2.4
Item Number
BUPC 2.4.7
GMD
graphic
Date Range
[1959-1960]
Physical Description
5" x 7" (b/w)
Scope and Content
Photograph is looking either north or south into the A.E. McKenzie Building (Library and Arts Building) during construction. A number of the members of the construction crew are visible.
Images
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A.E. McKenzie Building construction

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions629
Part Of
Brandon University Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
GMD
graphic
Date Range
[1959-1960]
Part Of
Brandon University Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Series Number
2.4
Item Number
BUPC 2.4.8
GMD
graphic
Date Range
[1959-1960]
Physical Description
5" x 7" (b/w)
Scope and Content
Photograph shows the construction of the A.E. McKenzie Building (Library and Arts Building) during winter.
Images
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A.E. McKenzie Building construction

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions630
Part Of
Brandon University Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
GMD
graphic
Date Range
[1959-1960]
Part Of
Brandon University Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Series Number
2.4
Item Number
BUPC 2.4.9
GMD
graphic
Date Range
[1959-1960]
Physical Description
5" x 7" (b/w)
Scope and Content
Photograph is looking east northeast and shows the construction of the A.E. McKenzie Building (Library and Arts Building). Clark Hall is in the background.
Images
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A.E. McKenzie Building opening

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions631
Part Of
Brandon University Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
GMD
graphic
Date Range
January 6, 1961
Part Of
Brandon University Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Series Number
2.4
Item Number
BUPC 2.4.10
GMD
graphic
Date Range
January 6, 1961
Physical Description
9" x 7" (b/w)
Scope and Content
Photograph was taken at the opening of the A.E. McKenzie Building (including the Evans Theatre) and shows the J.R.C. Evans Lecture Theatre doorway. L to R Dr. John E. Robbins, Mrs. Olive (Freeman) Diefenbaker (Class of 1923 and wife of Prime Minister John George Diefenbaker)
Notes
The opening of the A.E. McKenzie Building took place the same day as the installation of John E. Robbins as President of Brandon College.
Images
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A.E. McKenzie building under construction

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions8726
Part Of
RG 11 Lawrence Stuckey fonds
Description Level
Item
GMD
graphic
Date Range
c. 1909
Accession Number
1-2002
Part Of
RG 11 Lawrence Stuckey fonds
Description Level
Item
Series Number
3.9
Item Number
1-2002.3.9.106
Accession Number
1-2002
GMD
graphic
Date Range
c. 1909
Physical Description
8" x 10" (b/w)
History / Biographical
Stuckey's notes: From Brandon Sun.
Scope and Content
Photograph is looking north northwest from 9th Street and shows the McKenzie Building underconstruction. Many of the workers have posed on the third and fourth floors for the photograph.
Notes
Corresponds with negative 1-2002.3.9.K2.
Repro Restriction
The McKee Archives is the copyright holder for the Stuckey materials.
Location Original
1-2002.3.1K2
Storage Location
RG 5 photograph storage drawer
Images
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Clement Block & A.E. McKenzie Building

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions9502
Part Of
RG 11 Lawrence Stuckey fonds
Description Level
Item
GMD
graphic
Date Range
1912
Accession Number
1-2002
Part Of
RG 11 Lawrence Stuckey fonds
Description Level
Item
Series Number
3.1
Item Number
1-2002.3.1E22
Accession Number
1-2002
GMD
graphic
Date Range
1912
Physical Description
3 1/2" x 5"
Material Details
Negative
History / Biographical
Foreground: Clement Block built 1910.
Background: Original 6 storey McKenzie Bldg before upward extension of 1918.
Custodial History
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
Clement Block & A.E. McKenzie Building
Notes
From Winnipeg Saturday Post June 15, 1912.
Name Access
Clement Block & A.E. McKenzie Building
Subject Access
businesses
drug stores
seeds
Brandon business buildings & facilities before 1940
Repro Restriction
The McKee Archives is the copyright holder for the Stuckey materials.
Storage Location
Lawrence Stuckey collection
Images
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A.E. McKenzie Building Under Construction

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions9764
Part Of
RG 11 Lawrence Stuckey fonds
Description Level
Item
GMD
graphic
Date Range
[1909 or 1910]
Accession Number
1-2002
Part Of
RG 11 Lawrence Stuckey fonds
Description Level
Item
Series Number
3.1
Item Number
1-2002.3.1K2
Accession Number
1-2002
GMD
graphic
Date Range
[1909 or 1910]
Physical Description
3 1/2" x 5"
Material Details
Negative
Custodial History
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
A.E. McKenzie Building under construction
Notes
From the Brandon Sun.
Name Access
A.E. McKenzie Building
A.E. McKenzie & Co.
Subject Access
businesses
seeds
agricultural companies
Brandon Early Construction Scenes
Repro Restriction
The McKee Archives is the copyright holder for the Stuckey materials.
Location Copy
1-2002.3.9.106
Storage Location
Lawrence Stuckey collection
Images
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A.E. McKenzie Co., Limited, Seedmen

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions10146
Part Of
RG 12 Brandon and Area Photograph Collection
Description Level
Item
GMD
graphic
Date Range
c. April 8, 1912
Accession Number
17-2009
Part Of
RG 12 Brandon and Area Photograph Collection
Description Level
Item
Series Number
2
Item Number
BAPC 2.34
Accession Number
17-2009
GMD
graphic
Date Range
c. April 8, 1912
Physical Description
3.5" x 5.5" (b/w)
Material Details
Postcard
Custodial History
Postcard was sent to Chuck Wilson's aunt, Mrs. W.M. Wilson in Creelman, SK by the McKenzie Seed Company in 1912. Chuck Wilson found the postcard in some of his aunt's papers in 2009 and mailed it to the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
Item consists of a colour postcard of the McKenzie Seed Company building located on the west side of the 100 block of 9th Street. The card was sent to Mrs. W.M. Wilson of Creelman, SK to acknowledge her order. Writing on the front of the card reads: A.E. McKenzie Co., Limited, Seedsmen, Brandon, Man
Name Access
A.E. McKenzie Co., Limited
A.E. McKenzie Seed Company
9th Street
Subject Access
commercial buildings
businesses
Agriculture
downtown
Storage Location
BAPC photograph drawer
Related Material
RG 3 A.E. McKenzie Seed Co., Ltd. fonds
Images
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Student loan fund - A.E. McKenzie

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions3584
Part Of
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Description Level
File
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1953-1954
Part Of
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Description Level
File
Series Number
4.2
File Number
10
GMD
textual records
Date Range
1953-1954
Physical Description
1 file
Scope and Content
File consists of correspondence and a promisory note.
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds Series 4: Office of the Vice-President 4.2 Office of the Vice-President (Administration &Finance) Box 1
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North side of the A.E. McKenzie Building

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions770
Part Of
Brandon University Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
GMD
graphic
Date Range
c. mid 1980s
Part Of
Brandon University Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Series Number
2.4
Item Number
BUPC 2.4.3
GMD
graphic
Date Range
c. mid 1980s
Physical Description
3.5" x 5" (colour)
Scope and Content
Photograph is looking southwest from in front of the Original Music Building and shows the north side of the A.E. McKenzie Building and the west side of the Queen Elizabeth II Music Building (including the link). A number of cars in the parking lot are also visible.
Images
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A.E. McKenzie Seed Co. Ltd. fonds

http://archives.brandonu.ca/en/permalink/descriptions4309
Part Of
RG 3 A.E. McKenzie Company fonds
Description Level
Fonds
GMD
multiple media
Date Range
1887-1996; predominantly 1910-1974
Part Of
RG 3 A.E. McKenzie Company fonds
Description Level
Fonds
GMD
multiple media
Date Range
1887-1996; predominantly 1910-1974
Physical Description
7.47 m of textual records 500 photographs
History / Biographical
The A.E. McKenzie Seed Co. Ltd. originated with the McKenzie family Flour, Grain and Seed business, started by F. B. McKenzie in the early 1880's. When F. B. McKenzie passed away in 1896, his son, Albert Edward McKenzie, assumed control of the company, and renamed it The Brandon Seed House. With its main office and plant in Brandon, Manitoba, the company specialized in the production and sale of field seeds and service exclusively to seed buyers in the prairie provinces and British Columbia. In later years, a complete line of products including garden seeds, lawn grass, and other allied lines was developed for sale across Canada. In 1906, the company underwent a change of name when A. E. delete determined that the growth of the country demanded a larger seed institute than could be managed by one man. As a result, the company was incorporated under provincial statutes and the federal Joint Stock Companies Act as A. E. McKenzie Seed Co. Ltd., and new personnel were hired. Under the Joint Stock Companies Act, A.E. McKenzie Seed Co. Ltd. was required to elect a Board of Directors of not less than three, and not more than nine individuals. Only shareholders of the company were eligible for election, and election was to take place yearly with each shareholder entitled to as many votes as shares owned in the company. The Act also dictated that the directors were, from time to time, to elect from among themselves, a president of the company. They were also able to appoint and remove all other officers of the company and to create company by-laws. The directors were not obliged to pay any dividend on shares if the company should became insolvent. Under the Act, the stock of the company was deemed a personal estate and was only transferable as such. In addition, the company could acquire, hold, and transfer real estate, and was required to submit annual statements. A. E. McKenzie was elected President of the newly constituted company. For the memaninder of his natural life he remained in this position and supervised the operation of the company. S. A. Bradford, who was given responsibility for various company departments, filled the position of General Manager. H. L. Patmore became the Vice-President, overseeing the nursery business, while W. A. McCracken was put in charge of the warehouse stock, and shipping department. McCracken also supervised the mail order department. The Company was intially comprised of three divisions: The Brandon Seed House, Brandon Nurseries, and Brandon Greenhouses. Each division was registered under Dominion Patents. Later, the company was divided into Retail Mail Order, Wholesale and Commission Packet Trade divisions. It also undertook some export business. By registering the divisions of the company under under federal legislation affecting trademarks and industrial designs, McKenzie and the Board,were able to register both the company’s trademarks and to protect the company’s industrial techniques. Thet company could thus patent the methods and processes of its operations so that no other individual or business could duplicate them. Located at 30 9th Street, the head office and plant of A.E. McKenzie Seed Co. Ltd. housed all the facilities and staff of the company, with the exception of the regional sales offices and warehouses. The business of the A. E. McKenzie Co. Ltd. was conducted from a frame warehouse until the current McKenzie building was constructed on the same site after a fire destroyed the original premises. Designed by architect Thomas Sinclair, and built by the Brandon Construction Company, the new building opened in 1911. In time, The A. E. McKenzie Co. Ltd. came to be known as Western Canada's Greatest Seed House. During the 1930's, before a new building was erected in 1945, the A. E. McKenzie Co. occupied space at five different locations in Brandon, including the Massey Harris Building, the International Harvester Building and the Security Building. The last of these premises was destroyed by fire in 1972. As a result of its proximity to the Security Building, the main McKenzie Building also suffered heavy fire and water damage. A. E. McKenzie Co. Ltd. also utilized a warehouse on the north side of Pacific Avenue alongside the Canadian Pacific Railway tracks between 5th and 6th streets. This building and its contents were destroyed by fire (1946). In May of 1949, the company purchased and erected a Quonset structure on the west side of 15th Street between Rosser and Pacific Avenues. In 1908, the first branch of the A. E. McKenzie Seed Co. Ltd. was established at Calgary. In the following sixteen years, additional branches were established in Edmonton and Saskatoon (1923), Moose Jaw, Toronto (1934) and Winnipeg (1935). Both the Edmonton and Saskatoon branches were seasonal, operating for a four-month period, March to June inclusive. Business in the Maritime Provinces of Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick further extended the company's operations by the mid 1940's. In 1946, the company purchased property in Gilbert Plains, Manitoba, 120 miles north of Brandon. This purchase enabled the company to handle larger quantities of Sweet Clover, a popular crop that was grown in the surrounding area. Additional offices were opened in Vancouver and Quebec City in rented premises by the early 1960's. In the years 1944-1945, the McKenzie Foundation was created. Through the Foundation, arrangements were put in place to transfer shares of the company to the Manitoba Government for the benefit of higher education, specifically Brandon College. In return for this gift, which included 90% of all capital resources of the company together with all of the income earned each year, except for the amount retained annually to ensure sufficient operating capital, the A.E. McKenzie Co. Ltd. received exemption from paying Corporate Tax. Prior to the establishment of the McKenzie Foundation, in 1945, the National Trust for the benefit of the College held the shares of McKenzie Seeds. On April 7, 1945 the Manitoba Legislature passed legislation whereby A. E. McKenzie retained effective management control of his company, but 1031 shares out of 1145 issued shares were gifted to the Provincial Government. In return, the government agreed that all financial benefits from the shares would go to Brandon College through the A. E. McKenzie Foundation. When Mr. McKenzie passed away in 1964, the primary responsibility of appointing the Board of Directors for McKenzie Seeds passed to the Provincial government. The remaining 114 shares of the Company were turned over to the Crown on July 16, 1975 in accordance with an agreement between Brandon University, A. E. McKenzie Co. Ltd. and the Manitoba government. The same agreement also turned the McKenzie Foundation over to Brandon University. Therefore, since 1975 the crown has held all shares of the McKenzie Co. through the Province of Manitoba. A.E. McKenzie died on September 25, 1964 at the age of 94 and was succeeded as President of the company by J. Lasby Lowes. When Mr. Lowes retired in 1968, A. R. Swanson was appointed by the government to fill the position and was responsible for all operations of the company under a Board of Directors comprised mainly of appointees of the government. It has proven impossible to establish a complete list of those individuals who held the positions of President/General Manager of McKenzie Seeds after 1964. A partial account is as follows: Anthony J. Maruca became President of A. E. McKenzie Co. Ltd. in 1972. In 1975, the Board of Directors appointed William Moore General Manager, creating a new position to relieve the President of the company from management of plant operations. At the same time, Pat Kelleher was named new interim President. Following the resignation of Kelleher, William Moore assumed the role of President as well. Moore left the company in the early 1980s. He was later convicted of criminal misconduct as President of the company. Keith Guelpa became President/General Manager in the mid 1980's; Raymond West was his successor. Beginning in 1969, the A. E. McKenzie Seed Co. Ltd. began phasing out the Field Seed division of their company, including business related to forage crops and cereals. Seed cleaning equipment located in Brandon and and the company’s Calgary and Toronto cleaning plants was sold. The Company concentration its resources on the production and sale of vegetable and flower seeds, and lawn and turf grasses. It acted as a wholesaler and conducted business through chain stores, grocery, hardware and general stores. Late in 1971, A. E. McKenzie Co. Ltd. purchased its largest competition in packaged seeds - Steele Briggs Seed Co. from Maple Leaf Mills Inc. for two million dollars. At the time of the acquisition the company changed its name to A. E. McKenzie Co. - Steele Briggs Seeds, in order to benefit from the favorable reputation held by Steele Briggs Seeds across Canada. In the early 1970s, the acquisition of Brett-Young Seeds Ltd., a Winnipeg company that dealt exclusively in the production and sale of field seed, brought the A. E. McKenzie Co. back into the field seed market. In 1994 the Manitoba Government sold the A.E. McKenzie Seed Co. Ltd. to Regal Greetings and Gifts, Canada's largest non-retail mail-order catalogue company, which is owned by MDC Corporation of Toronto. In 2001, McKenzie Seeds is Canada's leading supplier of packaged seeds and related gardening products. It is divided into a Retail Consumer Products division which features well known seed brands including McKenzie Seeds, Pike Seeds and Thompson & Morgan Seeds from England. As well, this division also carries a complete range of lawn seeds and perishables. It also continues to ship the seed racks invented by A.E. McKenzie to numerous retail stores. The second division, Direct Mail, consists of the McFayden and McConnell catalogues which reach over 500,000 Canadian homes each year.
Custodial History
Following the sale of the A.E. McKenzie Seed Co. Ltd. to Regal Greetings and Gifts, the records of McKenzie Seeds and its subsidiaries were retained in the McKenzie Plant on 9th Street. In April of 1997, the records were transferred to the McKee Archives at Brandon University. Because the company was a crown corporation, the records of McKenzie Seeds belonged to the Province of Manitoba and might have been placed in the Provincial Archives. However, Provincial Archivist Gordon Dodds permitted the retention of the records in Brandon at the S. J. McKee Archives. The minutes of the Board of Directors, previously transferred to the Provincial Archives, remain in Winnipeg. Until 1960 these minutes, by-laws of the Company, and the letters patent of incorporation (April 7, 1906) were in the possession of the Company's lawyers, Johnson, Garson, Forrester, Davidson, & Steen.
Scope and Content
The fonds consists of textual records, photographs and artifacts from A.E. McKenzie Seed Co. Ltd. The textual records include minutes, documents, financial records, administrative records, by-laws, legal records, catalogues, sales literature, seed packets, newspaper clippings, appraisals, publications, scrapbooks and miscellaneous sections. In addition, some of the records within the fonds relate to the operations of McKenzie subsidiaries -- Brett-Young Seeds, Steele-Briggs Seeds, Pike & Co. and McFayden Seeds -- and various properties owned by McKenzie Seeds. Fonds contains approximately 500 photographs. These depict the operations and employees of McKenzie Seeds and the seed industry in general. Artifacts contained in the fonds include blueprints, newspaper clippings, copper printing plates, seed bags and plaques. Fonds also includes an artificially created series of records dealing with Brandon College Inc., the A.E. McKenzie Foundation, the Brandon Allied Arts Council and the Brandon Board of Trade. These records stand outside the provenance of the McKenzie Seed Co. Of particular interest within the textual records are the transcripts of various features of the company's history as dictated, researched and recalled by its second President/General Manager, J. Lasby Lowes. The fonds also contains a collection of company catalogue which is almost complete. Outside of the seed industry, the records dealing with both Brandon College Inc. and the McKenzie Foundation are significant records relating to the history of Brandon College/University and the City of Brandon.
Notes
Description written by Christy Henry (2001).
Name Access
A.E. McKenzie
J. Lasby Lowes
Irene Cullen
Joseph Airey
Alan R. Mundie
Sandy Black
Brett-Young Seeds/Sabetha
McFayden Seeds
Steele-Briggs Seed Co
Pike & Co
Davidson & Gowen
Davidson Studio
Frank Gowen
Dean Photo Service
Jerrett's Photo-Art Studio/Jerrett's Photo Service
Crawford Drug Store
Leech Printing Ltd
Eastman Photographic Materials Ltd
Subject Access
Seed Industry
Seed Catalogues
Brandon Business
Seed Photographs
Brandon Photographs
Seed Packets
Agriculture
Women Workers
Labour Relations
A.E. McKenzie
J. Lasby Lowes
A.R. Swanson
William Moore
Anthony J. Maruca
Pat Kelleher
Keith Guelpa
Raymond West
Brett-Young Seeds
Sabetha
Steele Briggs Seed Co
Pike & Co
McFayden Seeds
Seed Marketing Co
Brandon Board of Trade
Brandon Allied Arts Council
McKenzie Foundation
Regal Greetings and Gifts
Repro Restriction
Because the A.E. McKenzie Seed Co. Ltd. was a crown corporation, the records in the fonds are subject to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).
Storage Location
RG 3 A.E. McKenzie Company fonds
Related Material
Additional records regarding A.E. McKenzie Seed Co. Ltd. are housed at the Provincial Archives of Manitoba. In order to gain access to these records it is necessary to contact the Archives of Manitoba.
Arrangement
RG 3 A.E. McKenzie Seed Co. Ltd. Fonds McS 1 Board of Directors 1.1 Documents 1.2 Minutes/Meetings 1.3 Management Consultant Reports 1.4 Miscellaneous 1.5 Financial Records McS 2 Office of the President/General Manager 2.1 A.E. McKenzie 2.2 J. Lasby Lowes 2.3 Comptroller 2.4 Properties 2.5 Marketing 2.6 Reference Library 2.7 Miscellaneous Publications/Correspondence McS 3 Acquisitions 3.1 Brett-Young Seeds/Sabetha 3.2 Steele-Briggs Seed Co. 3.3 Pike & Co. 3.4 McFayden Seeds McS 4 Seed Marketing Co. McS 5 Photographs 5.1 McKenzie Seed Co. Ltd. Executives 5.2 Construction at McKenzie Seed Co. Brandon (two files) 5.3 Exterior Photographs of the A. E. McKenzie Co. Building 5.4 McKenzie Seed Co. Plant Operations and Workers (2 files) 5.5 McKenzie Seed Co. Equipment and Plant - Head Office 1983 5.6 McKenzie Seed Co. Field Operations and Workers 5.7 McKenzie Seed Co. Strike 1944 5.8 Fires at McKenzie Seed Co. 1910, 1945, 1972 5.9 McKenzie Seed Co. Centennial Exhibition 1996 5.10 Miscellaneous McKenzie Seed Co. Photographs 5.11 People Connected to McKenzie Seed Co. 5.12 Princess Anne's Visit to McKenzie Seed Co. 1982 5.13 Onion Set Production Book 5.14 Irene Cullen Photographs - McKenzie Seeds Employee Photos 5.15 Josiph Airey Photographs - McKenzie Product Photos 5.16 Alan R. Mundie Seed Production Photographs 5.17 Steele Robertson/Steele Briggs Seeds Photographs 5.18 Seed Packet Display Units Photographs 5.19 Product Photographs 5.20 Parade Photographs 5.21 Oversized Photographs 5.21.1 Drawer #1: Executive Photographs 5.21.2 Drawer #2: Office and Equipment/Plant Photographs 5.21.3 Drawer #3: Miscellaneous Oversized Photographs 5.21.4 Drawer #4: Artifacts McS 6 Miscellaneous 6.1 Centennial Exhibition 6.2 Miscellaneous Publications 6.3 Scrapbooks MG 1 A.E. McKenzie Fonds 1.1 Brandon College Inc. 1.2 McKenzie Foundation 1.3 Brandon Allied Arts Council 1.4 Brandon Board of Trade 1.5 Miscellaneous
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